• A motorcycle helmet – Because of the Georgia state helmet law, all motorcycle drivers and riders are required to wear a helmet for motorcycle protection at all times. This prevents traumatic brain and head injuries in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a helmet can reduce your chance of a motorcycle accident fatality by 42 percent. 
• Proper footwear – Your shoes should have good tread and grip on the soles to prevent slipping off the pedals while driving. They should also protect you from areas of the motorcycle that get hot and help prevent foot and ankle injuries if you get into an accident.
• A jacket or protective suit – These can protect you from weather, like rain, wind, and debris, as well as prevent wounds if involved in a motorcycle accident. The ideal materials are leather, Kevlar, or ballistic nylon because they are durable and protective. These items should fit comfortably and have elastic bands around the wrists, ankles, and waist to keep them from needing adjustment while you ride.
• Gloves – A good pair of gloves can help ensure you are able to grip your bike handles properly and prevent you from sustaining hand injuries or wounds in the event of an accident.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, call 1-404-467-0909 to discuss your case with an Atlanta personal injury attorney at S. Burke Law. 

Follow these simple safety tips that could prevent a dangerous and expensive motorcycle accident: 

• Be observant. It’s vitally important to be aware of your surroundings as a motorcycle driver. Know where cars are around you at all times and be aware of the road and weather conditions. Always be alert; scan your surroundings constantly for upcoming dangers or hazards.
• Take a safety course. Even if you’ve been riding motorcycles your entire life, a motorcycle safety course can help reinforce vital safety and defensive driving skills. The Motorcyclist Safety Foundation holds safety courses all over the country throughout the year.
• Wear a helmet and other protective clothing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets reduce the likelihood of death in a motorcycle accident by nearly 40 percent. The Georgia state helmet law, enacted in 1969, requires drivers and riders to wear a helmet at all times while on a motorcycle. Violators are issued a citation and fine. 

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If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, call 1-404-467-0909 to discuss your case with an Atlanta personal injury attorney at S. Burke Law.

The following are the most common causes of truck accidents: 

• Speeding;
• repair, maintenance, and inspection failures;
• right of way issues;
• unlicensed drivers;
• alcohol;
• driver fatigue;
• rollover;
• faulty brakes;
• tire blowouts; and
• problems with load. 

These causes of truck accidents result in 5,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries annually. Truck accidents can cause comas, broken bones, internal injuries, lacerations, burns, and concussions, as well as emotional injuries such as stress and trauma. 

This is why it is crucial to be extremely cautious of truck drivers. Stay out of their blind spots and avoid following them too closely. If you are able to, pass them quickly and carefully, allowing the truck sufficient space to maneuver. 

If you were involved in a truck accident and live in the Atlanta area, contact truck accident attorney Sheryl Burke of S. Burke Law. Sheryl and her staff will treat you like family and give your case the attention it deserves. Contact her today at 1-404-467-0909.

Here are some behaviors that are characteristic of aggressive driving: 

• tailgating;
• flashing lights at other motorists;
• blocking or obstructing other vehicles;
• physical assault;
• verbal abuse; and
• rude gestures. 

What causes aggressive driving? 

Several factors can contribute to aggressive driving. A study shows that frustration with traffic combined with pent-up anger, can trigger aggressive driving. In addition, humans are territorial. If a driver feels that another driver is getting too close or invading his or her space, then the driver may turn to aggression. 

However, some drivers go a little too far and actually chase other drivers, which causes car accidents. Even your feelings before getting into your car can affect your attitude while driving. 

If you were involved in a car accident caused by aggressive driving and live in the Atlanta area, contact personal injury attorney Sheryl Burke of S. Burke Law. Sheryl and her staff will treat you like family and give your case the attention it deserves. Contact her today at 1-404-467-0909.

If you were driving the car, you can only claim for any injuries caused by the other driver. You can make a claim for medical expenses against the car’s owner but only up to the coverage amount. If there is any damage to the car, the car’s owner will need to file a claim against the at-fault driver. 

If you were driving someone else’s car and the condition of the car (such as faulty brakes, bald tires or burnt-out taillights) was the sole cause of an accident, then you would be able to file a claim only against the car’s owner. 

If you have uninsured motorist insurance under your own policy, that will be considered the secondary insurance. Make sure both insurance companies are notified of the car accident. 

After a Car Accident in Atlanta Call a Personal Injury Attorney Immediately 

If you were involved in a car accident while driving someone else’s car and live in the Atlanta area, contact personal injury attorney Sheryl Burke of S. Burke Law. Sheryl and her staff will treat you like family and give your case the attention it deserves. You can protect yourself by learning about insurance with our free eBook: Buying Car Insurance in Georgia: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Maximum Protection. Then call an attorney today at 1-404-467-0909. 

Driver error can include one or more of the following: 

• fatigue;
• substance use (alcohol, drugs or medication);
• improperly loaded cargo;
• aggressive driving;
• distractions;
• inattention;
• lack of proper training/experience;
• unfamiliarity with the roads; and
• sickness. 

Because fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has imposed laws regarding the amount of consecutive driving time for drivers. Truck drivers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours after 10 hours off work. If the truck driver has been off duty for more than 10 consecutive hours, then the maximum time spent driving should not exceed 14 hours. Truck drivers should not be allowed to drive more than 60 hours in a 7-day period or 70 hours over a period of eight days. They must also be off work for at least 34 hours before starting a 7-day driving period. 

If you were involved in a truck accident caused by driver error and live in the Atlanta area, contact truck accident attorney Sheryl Burke of S. Burke Law. Sheryl and her staff will treat you like family and give your case the attention it deserves. Contact her today at 1-404-467-0909.

• Get a good night’s sleep before driving - drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk – with the same tragic consequences.
• Get to know your rental car – before leaving the lot have the rental car company employee show you how to turn on the headlights, how to adjust the mirrors etc.
• Stay organized – keep heavy items low in the seat wells and put away any unnecessary loose objects in the car such as games and toys – these things can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a sudden stop

• Documentation – Your attorney knows that proving the other driver caused your accident is crucial, which means getting statements from all eyewitnesses, acquiring police reports, and even hiring private investigators and accident reconstructionists.
• Collection – Medical reports and insurance documents are vital records. Your attorney will scour this paperwork to determine whether your child’s injuries will be long-lasting or permanent to make a case for the compensation you’ll need.
• Consideration – Your attorney will take into consideration the total compensation you’ll need after legal fees, courtroom costs, and money for current medical expenses has been set aside. The remainder must be placed in an interest-bearing account for your child until his or her 18^th birthday. 

• cerebrum injury (cuts and bruises);
• skull vault fracture (when one of the bones in the skull fractures, which can lead to bleeding and brain tissue damage);
• concussion (type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head that often leads to unconsciousness);
• subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues covering it);
• subdural hematoma (when blood pools on the brain’s surface); and        
• skull base fracture (a fracture of the bones at the base of the skull, which can also cause internal bleeding into the brain and permanent tissue damage). 

• commercial trucking companies;
• independent contractors;
• the driver or employee who loaded the cargo;
• the manufacturer of the cargo;
• trucking equipment manufacturers;
• truck driver employers; and
• truck drivers. 

• manufacturer of equipment or product;
• distributor of equipment or product;
• seller of equipment of product;
• subcontractor; and
• property owner;. 

• failing to abide by posted traffic laws;
• moving into an intersection as a motorcycle is driving through it;
• failing to yield the proper right of way;
• pulling out of a driveway into an oncoming motorcycle’s path;
• swerving into the path of a motorcyclist;
• failing to notice a motorcyclist when passing another vehicle or changing lanes;
• drug or alcohol impairment; and/or
• distracted driving, primarily because of text messaging or cell phone use. 

• eyewitness statements;
• wreckage and debris at the accident scene, including skid marks; and
• security footage from nearby businesses. 

• if medical care was provided at the scene of your crash;
• if arrests were made at the scene of your crash;
• if either party did not have insurance; and
• the damage your vehicle sustained. 

• Know what type of insurance you need. Your policy should cover underinsured motorist coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, bodily injury liability, property damage liability and collision, and comprehensive coverage.
• Review your current policy. Sometimes it makes sense to stay with the same provider; other times, a different company may offer you a better deal. Before you renew, explore your options.
• Comparison shop. Many insurance commercials and websites offer free insurance comparisons. Take advantage of this service and do some of your own independent research to make sure you are getting the best rate.
• Look for discounts. Many companies offer discounts for safe drivers, students and military families. See what you can qualify for.
• Assess the reputation of the company you choose. Once you have chosen a company, look for reviews and ask others about their experiences with that company to be sure you have made a good choice. 

• coverage for bodily and personal injuries;
• car and property damage; and
• death and dismemberment. 

• speeding;
• running a stop sign or red light; and 
• making an illegal U-turn.